The Minister for Human Services, Senator Chris Ellison, said the Senate committee’s
recommendation to combine the first and second pieces of legislation
for concurrent consideration had merit, and on examination of the
committee’s report he agreed with this approach.

Senator Ellison was confident concerns raised by the Senate inquiry could be addressed.

“The
Government remains committed to having the legislation passed this year
and ensuring the access card project delivers benefits for Australians
who use health, veterans and social services – and those Australians
who fund the provisions of those services,” Senator Ellison said